New Bedford Mayor Pushes to Repeal ASMFC’s Lobster Catch Size Restrictions

In a letter yesterday to Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Executive Director Robert Beal, New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell advocated for the repeal of Addendum 27 (XXVII) to the ASMFC’s lobster fishery management plan.

According to the addendum—which will increase the minimum catch size for lobsters effective July 2025—US lobstermen will soon be limited in the size of lobsters they can catch, thereby impacting total haul sizes. Meanwhile, Canadian lobstermen will continue harvesting and selling the same sized lobsters in the US market...

Trump Slaps Tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China: Seafood Industry Braces for Impact, Latest Updates

After weeks of nonstop speculation, the White House confirmed that President Donald Trump would be implementing tariffs on various US trading partners, including Canada, Mexico and China.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reports on January 31 that Trump will implement 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico and a 10% duty on China starting on February 1.

NBC News reported that the details of how tariffs will be distributed remained unclear, but the plan will be available for public inspection on February 1. No comments were...

Maine DMR Updates Bulletin on Right Whales and Pauses Two-Endline Gear Enforcement

On January 24, 2025, the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) released an updated bulletin for lobstermen regarding the North Atlantic right whales recently spotted off the western edge of Jeffreys Ledge.

Over the last two weeks, up to 90 individual right whales have been identified in the area around Jeffreys Ledge. According to the DMR’s update, right whales may be feeding within this area at depths of around 300 feet or greater.

On January 17, the DMR issued a bulletin urging fishermen to remove their fishing...

GSMC 2025: Shellfish Panel Highlights the Lobster Meat Era

The lobster market has entered its ‘Lobster Meat Era.’ While the ‘era’ phrase may typically be found on TikTok, Expana’s Managing Editor Janice Schreiber summed up the lobster meat craze well during the Global Seafood Market Conference’s Shellfish Panel on January 21.

Owen Kenney, VP of Sales for Champlain Seafood, noted that until relatively recently, lobster meat was a byproduct as people searched for lobster tails and it was highly seasonal.

About a decade ago, lobster meat saw a massive increase in the usage of non-seasonal applications of lobster meat...

Maine DMR Withdraws Proposed Lobster Size Increase Amid Industry Concerns

The Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) has withdrawn a rule that would increase the minimum catch size limits for lobsters.

The decision by DMR Commissioner Patrick Keliher was made on January 9 and garnered praise from the industry. The Portland Press Herald also reported that Keliher said the DMR would consult lobstermen about any future conservation proposals regarding the state’s staple fishery.

The rule, developed by the Atlantic Staes Marine Fisheries Commission, was called Addendum 27 (XXVII). It would increase the minimum size of gauges fishers use to measure...

China Lifts Four-Year Ban on Australian Live Rock Lobster Trade, Boosting Industry

China notified Australia on December 20 that the live rock lobster trade between the two nations can resume after a four-year import ban, per Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. 

In October, Albanese announced that trade between the two nations would resume before the year ended.  

“This is a major win for our hard-hit live rock lobster industry and follows sustained engagement and advocacy by government and industry. We thank the Australian live rock lobster industry for its patience and resilience as we worked to reinstate...

Canada To Issue Exploratory Fishing Licenses for Quebec Lobster Industry in Spring 2025

On December 5, 2024, the Honorable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced the continuation of the data acquisition plan for Quebec’s lobster fishing industry.

Come spring 2025, the Department will issue new exploratory fishing licenses to assess lobster stock capacity and responsible fishery development as well as to support additional catches. License holders will participate in gathering critical data related to the stock assessment, including learning more about lobster abundance and distribution.

“Starting this spring, First Nations and industry will be..."

Red Lobster Launches New Happy Hour

National seafood restaurant Red Lobster recently announced the launch of Happy Hour, featuring $5 drink specials and $2 off select starters.

The special began Monday, December 2, 2024, and will be available each week Monday – Friday from 3 – 6 PM local time at participating restaurants nationwide.

The starter selection includes the following dishes:

• Lobster Flatbread
• Seafood-Stuffed Mushrooms
• Crab Queso
• Lobster Dip
• Mozzarella Cheesesticks

Nichole Robillard, Chief Marketing Officer at Red Lobster, expressed excitement for the recent launch, saying, “It’s the perfect way to take a break from the hustle and bustle..."

Maine Delegation Announces More Than $1.9 Million for Lobster Research in Maine

Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden, are announcing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Sea Grant Office’s decision to award seven Maine projects with $1,941,692 in funding for the American Lobster Research Program. The grant program supports projects that address critical knowledge gaps about American lobster and its fishery in a dynamic and changing environment.

“Maine’s lobstermen and women have long demonstrated their commitment to maintaining and protecting a sustainable fishery in the Gulf of..."

Nova Scotia Fishing Group Seeks $10 Million in Damages Over Illegal Lobster Trade

A Nova Scotia commercial lobster fishing group has taken legal action against Independent Fisheries Limited for allegedly buying illegally caught lobsters in St. Mary’s Bay.

The United Fisheries Conservation Alliance (UFCA) filed a Notice of Action with the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia against the firm and its owner, Xiaoming Mao, along with Jason Lamrock, Tyler Nickerson, Sandra Nickerson, Shawna Nickerson, David Nickerson, and Wesley Nickerson, according to a UFCA press release.

The UFCA, which represents lobster fishing organizations throughout the province...

Long John Silver’s Rolls Out Limited-Time Norway Lobster Bites and New Meal Combos

Seafood chain Long John Silver’s announced the return of its fan-favorite Wild-Caught Norway Lobster Bites.

The menu item reached shores on October 28 and will be available for a limited time alongside a new dessert option from The Cheesecake Factory Bakery.

The lobster bites are made of tender pieces of wild-caught Norway lobster tails; each bite is coated in a breading. There will be several ways to grab the bits this holiday season:

"- Add Lobster Bites to any meal with the Lobster Bites...

ASMFC Halts New Lobster Gauge Requirement Amid Market Concerns

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) voted to delay an increase to the minimum catchable size of lobster in the Gulf of Maine for six months.

The move was made on October 21 by the ASMFC’s American Lobster Board at the commission’s meeting in Annapolis, Maryland. The new gauge requirements were set to begin in January, but now with the delay, it will take place in July 2025.

The Portland Press Herald noted that individuals opposed to the move argued that it would give Canadian lobstermen an unfair market...

Australia’s $700M Rock Lobster Trade with China Set to Resume

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that the country will resume exports of live rock lobsters to China before the end of the year.

The deal is massive news for Australia’s rock lobster industry, along with Chinese consumers who will again have access to the product for the upcoming Lunar New Year celebrations.

Since 2020, Australian rock lobsters have been effectively prevented from entering China’s market, which was worth over AU$700 million in 2019, per the Australian government...

Cousins Maine Lobster Franchisees Expanding Footprint in Southeastern Florida

Cousins Maine Lobster is at it again. This time, the brand is teaming up with long-time franchisees and brothers Yunus and Thameem Shahul, to expand into the Fort Lauderdale area, expanding the Cousins footprint into Broward and Palm Beach Counties.

The brothers began their relationship with Cousins Maine Lobster in 2018, and the new truck will mark its 17^th unit with the brand.

The brothers shared their excitement for the move with the following statement...

A Look Ahead at Lobster Promos to Celebrate National Lobster Day 2024

National Lobster Day is right around the corner on September 25, and the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative (MLMC) is ready to celebrate Maine’s iconic seafood item.

"National Lobster Day highlights the hardworking individuals and communities that make the fishery thrive," said Marianne LaCroix, Executive Director at the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative. "We encourage lobster fans across the country to show their support for the families who make it all possible by choosing sustainably harvested Maine Lobster."

There will be various promotions and products for consumers to get...

The Retail Rundown: Going All-Out for Autumn

Fall is just around the corner, with the official start of autumn this Sunday, September 22. As cooler weather sets in and travel plans wind down, grocers are ramping up their offerings of seasonal favorites to align with the change in consumer preferences. 

According to the Expana Retail Activity Index, seafood continues to lead for the fourth week in a row, making up 30% of total protein ads. Beef and pork are close behind, each at around 25%, while chicken accounts for 14%. Eggs represent 2.8% of retail opportunities, and turkey has 2.3%...

UMaine-led Team Develops More Holistic Way to Monitor Lobster Industry

Maine’s lobster fishery — one that supports thousands of jobs statewide — is extensively monitored. Management efforts are informed by biological monitoring surveys observing changes in abundance and distribution of the lobster population, and dealer and harvester reporting from the industry. Yet these statistics don’t tell the whole story of an industry shaken by supply and market disruptions and geopolitical conflict, or the welfare of the people and communities that rely on it. 

Since the annual commercial lobster landings have declined 27% from 2016-2022, the Maine Lobstermen’s Association...

New Hampshire Rejects Federal Lobster Catch Restrictions, Aligning with Maine's Stance

New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte sent a letter to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) stating that the state would not comply with the new guidelines focused on increasing the minimum size of lobsters caught in the Gulf of Maine.

The move mirrors a decision made by the State of Maine earlier this month, as Expana reported.

“New Hampshire’s commercial fishing industry is a proud part of our heritage, and I have heard loud and clear from our lobstermen...

Maine Lobstermen Urged to Relocate Gear After Right Whale Sightings

The Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) released a bulletin urging commercial lobstermen to move their gear from Jeffreys Ledge after 75 endangered North Atlantic right whales were spotted last week just off the western edge of the area, per a January 17 bulletin.

“I am strongly urging any lobster fisherman with gear in the vicinity of the right whales on Jeffreys Ledge to move their gear to another area until surveys indicate that the whales have moved on,” DMR Commissioner Patrick Keliher said...

Maine Cooperative Lobster 207 Wins $5 Million Settlement in CEO Misconduct Case 

Lobster 207, a co-op formed by the Maine Lobstering Union (MLU), landed a $5 million settlement in its favor after five years in court against a former CEO, Warren Pettegrow, his parents, and other parties.

Lobster 207 alleged that the defendants engaged in a “course of misconduct that resulted in serious economic injuries to Lobster 207 " through schemes, rackets, and misrepresentations. The Portland Press Herald reported that the family continues to deny the charges.

The lawsuit, filed in 2019, alleges that the Pettegrows defrauded...

ANALYSIS: Canadian Lobster Prices Stabilize Amid Export Slowdown

Canadian live lobster prices have been stabilizing this autumn, following a gradual increase since June. Latest data from Expana shows a market price for live chix exported to Europe standing at 12.18 USD/lb (C+F incoterm) on 5/12/24, which represents a 60% rise since the year-low value of 7.6 USD/lb at the beginning of June...

The Winding Glass: Heavy Lobster and Crab Tariffs Could Cripple the US; Canadian Seafood Industry

Canadian lobster and crab industries face severe stress due to President-elect Trump’s threat to impose 25% tariffs across the board on all Canadian imports to the US.

Under the worst-case scenario, higher sale prices would cut demand to the extent that lobster and crab would be left in the water. For both exports, the Canadians have no replacement for the US market. To increase sales to China, Japan, and Europe, they would have to offer drastic price cuts...

Key Nova Scotia Lobster Fishing Areas to Open Tuesday After Delayed Start

Dumping Day for lobster fishing areas (LFA) 33 and 34 will begin on November 26. The staple Nova Scotia fishery was delayed due to heavy winds.

The start of commercial fishing for LFA 34, the larger of the two areas, will begin at 5 a.m. on Tuesday, while LFA 33 will begin at 7 a.m., per local media reports. Lobster Fishing Area 33 stretches from Cow Bay in Halifax Regional Municipality to Shelburne County; Lobster Fishing Area 34 covers Shelburne County to Digby County...

Premium Brands Sees Record Q3 Revenue Despite Challenges; Lobster Sales Up, Volume Dips

Major Canadian food company Premium Brands Holdings unveiled its third-quarter financial results, which saw the firm land a record third-quarter revenue of CAD 1.67 billion (US$1.2 billion). The company said it saw solid progress in its Specialty Foods’ core U.S. growth initiatives in protein and baked goods. However, its sandwiches group was impacted by consumer demand challenges that hit a major customer.

“Despite temporary headwinds faced by our Sandwich group in the quarter, we remain on course and continue to make...

Cousins Maine Lobster Continues Expansion in Illinois

Cousins Maine Lobster announced that it will debut its fourth food truck in the Northern Illinois region this weekend.

The newest truck marks another partnership with franchisees Yunus and Thameem Shahul, who landed a multi-unit deal for the market back in November 2023.

Cousins Maine Lobster shared that the Shahul brothers joined CML as franchisees in 2018 and now have 18 units open and operating across multiple territories, with more to come. SeafoodNews covered the brand’s recent expansion in Florida, which was also led by the Shahul brothers...

Overnight Maine Lobster Now Shipping Nationwide

Overnight Maine Lobster, a family-owned company run by former lobsterman Tyler Pelletier, will now offer nationwide live Maine lobster delivery.

Overnight Maine Lobster boasts its ability to source lobsters directly from local Maine lobstermen, providing a direct-from-the-ocean method. The company claims this guarantees that its lobster arrives as fresh as possible with fewer delays and minimal handling.

The company says its storage methods separate it from the competition.

“We store our lobsters in specially designed saltwater tanks filled with water from the Atlantic Ocean...

Lobsters on the Move: UMaine Study Uncovers Major Habitat Shifts and Population Decline

DFO Seizes $100K Worth of Lobsters in Nova Scotia

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) announced on October 2 that it seized over 13,000 pounds of lobster worth over CA$100,000 (US$74,000) and made an arrest for crimes under the Fisheries Act, including maintaining an illegal lobster pound.

According to a DFO Facebook post, fisheries officers executed a search warrant at a Shelburne County, Nova Scotia facility. The warrant resulted in the seizure of the lobster, documents and electronic records, along with the arrest.

The DFO said the matter is under investigation for potential charges under Canada’s...

Canada’s Conservative Party Rips Federal Government Handling Atlantic Canada Lobster Fishing

Canada’s Conservative Party slammed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the federal government’s handling of alleged poaching around the Bay of Fundy.

Headlines in Canada have emerged with local fishing organizations in the New Brunswick areas alleging that both local and foreign poachers are targeting Lobster Area 36 ahead of the start of its November season.

The Maine Lobstermen’s Association told news outlets that it wasn’t aware of the allegations and denied the claims. Maine Department of Resources spokesperson Jeff Nichols said in a statement...

Island Institute Kickstarts Initiative to Support Maine’s Lobster Industry

The Island Institute received a $1.4 million award from the Small Business Administration to support Maine’s vital lobster industry and the communities that rely on it.

The Institute noted that the Congressionally Directed Spending request was led by Maine Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and would lead to the creation of the ‘Future of Fishing,’ “described as a collaborative effort designed to expand economic opportunities for Maine’s coastal communities.”

“This funding is not just an investment in the lobster industry, it is an investment in the communities that have...